Merkel Justifies Decision Against Ukraine Joining NATO

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April 4, 2022 – 3:34 pm

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) supported the decision not to admit Ukraine to NATO in 2008, despite massive criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Retired Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel stands by her decisions regarding the 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest,” a spokeswoman for Merkel said on Monday at the request of the German Press Agency in Berlin.

At the same time, the former foreign minister supported international efforts to end the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.

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Selenskyj asked Merkel to go to Bucha

April 3, 2022, Ukraine, Kiev: In this image from a video made available by the Press Office of the President of Ukraine, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks in Kiev, Ukraine. Photo: Uncredited/Press Office of the President of Ukraine

Selenskyj had already asked Merkel to travel to Bucha: in the Kiev suburbs, Merkel – like former French President Nicolas Sarkozy – could get a glimpse of her failed policy in Russia.

“In view of the atrocities that are becoming visible in Bucha and elsewhere in Ukraine, all efforts by the federal government and the international community to support Ukraine and end Russia’s barbarism and war against Ukraine have the full support of the former chancellor,” the spokeswoman explained.

Selenskyj had previously asked Merkel to travel to Bucha, where more than 300 people were found dead in recent days after the withdrawal of Russian troops. In suburban Kiev, Merkel – like former French President Nicolas Sarkozy – may get a glimpse of her failed policy in Russia. At the 2008 summit, NATO states pledged Ukraine’s membership but later backed out out of consideration for Russia. Merkel and Sarkozy blocked demands from other NATO partners for rapid accession.

Zelenskyj said: “I invite Ms Merkel and Mr Sarkozy to visit Bucha and see what Russia’s concessions policy has taken in 14 years. You will see the tortured Ukrainians with your own eyes.” Butscha’s photos caused international horror. Ukraine blames Russian troops for the massacre. Moscow denies this.

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